•Governor Umo Eno
I have followed with keen interest the bold move by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno to institutionalise inclusive governance and dismantle long-standing barriers to opportunity for the people . Without a doubt, this effort is quietly redefining how citizens access public contracts through the newly activated state procurement portal. This is nothing short of transformational.
Ordinarily, I might have dismissed the initiative as just another well-meaning promise destined to be lost in the maze of bureaucracy. But my perception changed when I met individuals, without any political connections who had successfully registered on the portal, were prequalified, and are now actively bidding for government jobs. That was all the proof I needed that something real, credible, and empowering is taking shape.
This commendable flagship initiative is a direct product of Governor Umo Eno’s evolving e-governance framework, and it is already yielding tangible results.
I have read and heard Governor Eno repeatedly stating that over 500 job opportunities are currently accessible through the procurement portal. These span across sectors including construction, consultancy, supplies, logistics, and services.
I have personally checked the platform which is designed to empower qualified Akwa Ibomite, especially those with no “legs in government” by offering open, transparent, and merit-based access to public procurement processes. It represents a radical shift from an era where economic inclusion was often reserved for those with political proximity.
At the conclusion of the July Project Delivery Meeting in Uyo, the governor made it clear that the portal was not just about going digital, it was about economic justice, fair play, and equal opportunity. He emphasised that competence, track record, and proven capacity would remain the sole criteria for selection, and that these standards would not be compromised under any circumstances.
He reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to quality service delivery, performance-based evaluation, and public accountability.
“This portal is for every Akwa Ibomite with the right skills and the ability to deliver. You don’t need to know someone in government to qualify. What we are doing is shifting focus from who you know to what you can do,” Governor Eno asserted.
I must admit, Governor Umo Eno’s inclusive approach is already drawing widespread praise across political and professional circles. Notably, Assam Assam, SAN, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria and stakeholder, described the initiative as a watershed moment in the democratisation of opportunity in the state.
“Governor Umo Eno’s inclusive governance model is expanding the space for participation. This is the first time we are seeing ordinary Akwa Ibom people being given direct access to state projects on the basis of merit. It’s a bold, commendable shift,” he said.
Beyond the digital innovation, what makes this approach especially compelling is its broader economic impact. The Governor’s aggressive pursuit of infrastructure and development projects under the ARISE Agenda has already led to the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
From construction workers and service providers to engineers and small-scale entrepreneurs, more Akwa Ibomites than ever before are being actively engaged in the state’s economic transformation.
Importantly, in his trademark leadership balance, Governor Eno has made it clear that the political class will not be sidelined. Those who have worked faithfully and supported the party will not be forgotten.
“What is due to them will reach them,” he assured, emphasising that inclusion does not mean exclusion, this is about fairness, not favoritism.
To my mind, what is emerging in Akwa Ibom is not just a digital tool, it is the foundation of a new social contract, built on the principles of equity, meritocracy, and citizen empowerment. The Procurement Portal has become a living symbol of this new governance philosophy. It represents a government that is ready to open its doors, listen to its people, and entrust them with real responsibility.
For a governor who is not only building roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, but also empowering the vulnerable and underprivileged, Governor Umo Eno is equally building trust, restoring dignity, and giving every citizen a stake in the state’s future. His style of governance is no longer about privileges for the few, but about creating a platform for the many.
I’m following closely, and I will be back in due course to access the impact. Stay tuned !
*Victor Mkpong writes in from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
